I recently purchased a pair of Scarpa Kailash GTX…

I recently purchased a pair of Scarpa Kailash GTX boots, and went on my first backpack trip with them September 20, 2008. It was a one night 10 mile trip, so not a long one. However, for not having a chance to break them in the comfort was amazing! They also supported my feet well, which considering my weak ankles is important.

I also have problems with plantar faciaitis, and my orthotics combined with the Vibram sole of this boot produced comfort and pain free walking which I did not get with my previous boot. I have not had these boots long, but I now can look forward to long trips and happy feet at the end of the day!

The Scarpa Kailash GTX is comfortable, has a versatle…

The Scarpa Kailash GTX is comfortable, has a versatle weight, is breathable and is great for people with narrow heals and feet.

Pros

Comfort, durability, breathable

Good for narrow feet

Good gripping sole for both loose rock as well as mud

Cons

No full leather version—I liked that aspect of the old Sundowner

Let me start with the fact that I went through many boots to finally land on this one. I had some of the old Italian made Vasque Sundowner GTX boots for over 8 years and I thought nothing could ever come close. I was wrong.

I have narrow heels as well as feet in general so I was told by numerous people to give Scarpa or LaSportiva a try. I tried both and decided on the Kailash GTX given the lighter weight and good construction. I saw it as a versitle boot that could either be used for day hikes or on longer backpacking adventures.

I love this boot. It is extremely durable, shows little wear after many miles, is very breathable as well. I also no longer get blisters even when it's humid outside. I am a Scarpa person now

The best hiking boot I've ever used. A relatively narrow boot, not everyone has broad feet! It's certainly not the lightest boot out there, but it's certainly not in the heavy-range either.

At last, I've found a Gore-tex-lined boot that actually keeps the water out. I've been through three different types of Salomon Gore-tex-lined boots, all supposedly waterproof, yet they all leaked through the seams almost from being brand new.

The Kailash's I've walked repeatedly through streams that were just below the top of the boot, and my feet have remained dry the entire trip — very important in the winter months.

I take 1 star off for the lightweight footbed inserts. I replaced them with proper shock-absorbing inserts, to make the boots near-perfect.